Khon Kaen University was honored to host an inspiring visit from Professor Hiroyuki Sakurai, Deputy Director of Iga City General Hospital and a distinguished academic from Mie University, Japan. Accompanied by seven promising medical students, Professor Sakurai’s visit from August 26 – 29, 2024, represented a pivotal moment in strengthening international ties and fostering cross-cultural exchange in the field of healthcare.
The delegation received a warm and gracious welcome from Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, Vice Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communication, who expressed their heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine.
Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions in hepatobiliary pancreatic and transplant surgery, Professor Sakurai led a team of enthusiastic students eager to delve into Thailand’s unique medical landscape:
- Ms. Fuko Hattori, 2nd-year medical student
- Ms. Yuzune Ogawa, 2nd-year medical student
- Ms. Nonoka Suzuki, 1st-year medical student
- Ms. Reika Nishida, 1st-year medical student
- Ms. Mizuki Takabatake, 1st-year medical student
- Ms. Reina Takikawa, 1st-year medical student
- Ms. Nana Takashima, 1st-year medical student
The visit was characterized by engaging and collaborative experiences, including insightful tours of the Srinagarind Hospital’s state-of-the-art surgical wards and outpatient departments. These visits offered the delegation a firsthand glimpse into the advanced medical practices and high standards of patient care maintained at Khon Kaen University.
Beyond the clinical environment, the visitors were immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, with explorations of iconic sites such as Wat Nong Waeng and Wat Thung Setthi. These cultural excursions deepened their appreciation of Thailand’s traditions, complementing the academic exchanges.
A key highlight of the visit was the educational exchange at the Sam Liam Primary Care Unit, which plays a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive and continuous patient care. The unit bridges the gap between hospital and community healthcare by improving patient follow-up and enhancing communication through modern tools like group chats and phone calls. This model has significantly improved the quality of life for dependent patients and reduced hospital readmissions.
The delegation also explored the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine department at Khon Kaen Hospital. Established to educate the public on traditional Thai medicine and the correct use of Thai herbs for health maintenance and disease prevention, this center integrates traditional therapies like Thai massage and herbal medicine with modern medical practices. This fusion provides a unique healthcare experience that addresses a wide range of health issues, including insomnia, stress, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic pain.
A transformative visit to the Kum Koon Center further enriched the delegation’s experience. This pioneering model of sustainable living and holistic health was founded by Dr. Apisit Thamrongwarangkul, former Director of Ubolratana Hospital, and his wife, Dr. Thanthip Thamrongwarangkul. The center, which supplies organic vegetables to hospitals and serves as an educational hub for integrated agriculture, also offers employment opportunities for the underprivileged, making it a beacon of community-driven health and sustainability.
The visit also spotlighted the “Lawa Model,” an innovative community-based strategy to combat liver fluke disease. Pioneered by Prof. Dr. Banchob Sripa, Director of the Tropical Disease Research Center at Khon Kaen University, the Lawa Model has become a national and international benchmark for liver fluke control and prevention. The model’s success has transformed Lawa Village and the Ban Lawa Health Promotion Hospital into leading sites for studying integrated liver fluke control, earning recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Asia-Pacific region. The model’s principles have been implemented across the Mekong subregion, underscoring its global impact.
As the visit concluded, it was clear that this exchange had not only strengthened academic collaboration but also deepened the bond between Mie University and Khon Kaen University. The Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University eagerly anticipates future collaborations, united in their shared commitment to excellence in medical education and global healthcare.
This visit stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two institutions and their collective dedication to advancing global healthcare and education.
